Have you been hearing all the buzz over the Wrapped for Instagram app otherwise referred to as Instagram Wrapped?
Before you read on, you have to be an Apple user to get it. Available only in the Apple Store it seems to be the hottest thing out there with loads of users downloading it, then linking it to their IG account and letting it rip.
What does it do?
As reported on by SKPop, “Through Instagram Wrapped, users can get to know their top followers, the hashtags they have seen the most, their reach, popular stories, most viewed reels and also the time of the day when users have been most active on the platform.”
You can imagine how that little bit of data can give you some insight into promotion.
For example, maybe you’re wondering why you didn’t get more eyes on that sexy photo you posted this morn. With Instagram Wrapped you’ll be able to see what time of day your peeps are looking at stuff most. You could then deduct that maybe it didn’t get as many likes as you wanted because your posting schedule wasn’t in line with when your followers were on the app. Further, Instagram Wrapped’s stat on hashtag popularity could also give you better ideas on what ones to use to get more eyeballs.
In this light, Instagram Wrapped may help you get better results on Instagram postings.
Sounds great right? Sign me up! Not so fast.
Before you download the newest taste of the month, there’s something else you should know before taking the plunge.
Once you give this third-party app permission to hang out, it can dive into your account’s nooks and crannies with no oversight.
In an article titled “You Should Probably Stay Away from the Instagram Wrapped App” by DigitalTrends the writer talked about this concerning problem. She reported that users on Reddit have flagged the app warning that you risk getting your data stolen and hacked if you download it.
Even more troubling, the journalist didn’t just dog on the app, she actually tried it… and it didn’t fare well.
For one, she didn’t think any of the stats they were reporting to her were legit anyhow. “It tells you the number of hours you spent on Instagram in 2023, your top online friends, the number of people who blocked you, and more. In real life, those statistics are not particularly accurate, and there is no explanation at all regarding how the app is making those calculations.”
Making it even more suspect, she stated that you cannot find an online presence for the developer and quoted Meta’s spokesperson’s response to Instagram Wrapped: “This app violates our terms and we’ve asked Apple to remove it from the App Store.” Basically, the reporter thinks it’s shady. But let’s keep in mind too… there’s a lot of people out there that are enjoying it.
So, what will it be? Do you want to dance with the devil and jump on the bandwagon or will you play it safe?
Photo credit: iStock.com/hapabapa
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
